Band charged for traffic jam stunt

Three members of rap group The Imperial Stars from Orange County have been charged with several offences after allegedly engineering a traffic jam as a "commercial stunt".

Christopher Roy Wright, 32, David Paul Hale, 30, and Keith R. Yackey, 32, caused the disruption when they stopped their truck for a live performance on the Hollywood (101) Freeway, the Beverley Hills Courier reports.

The trio have pleaded not guilty to a felony count of conspiracy, two misdemeanour counts of resisting, obstructing or delaying Los Angeles police and California Highway Patrol officers, and one misdemeanour count each of creating a public nuisance and false imprisonment.

Bail for the band was doubled by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Henry J. Hall from $10,000 to $20,000 and must be paid before a further court appearance on December 28, when it will be determined if there is enough evidence for a trial.

The 'Traffic Jam 101' group suggested that the stunt was to boost publicity for a good cause as well as promote their band, and Hale explained: "I definitely want to raise awareness for the homeless children, but maybe not in this fashion."